Computer Station/Desk Under Stairs

[Johnysmall]

Hi all,

I need to build some sort of construction under my stairs to accommodate my computer, printer etc and extra shelves/ compartments for various computer related odds and sods. I'm not sure how to go about making best use of the triangle shape I have to work with.

My problem is, I am a plumber, not a chippie. If I could construct it out of copper, make it sturdy and look nice....no problem.

Is there any sites where I can obtain plans etc to build something like this, that will enable a non wood-worker to make a good job of it?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

John

 

[Scrit]

Basically as all carcasses are simply boxes, you just need to figure out where you need to place all your bits and bats, how to get the cables in and then just sketch it up to scale on graph paper. You could spend a bit of time learning how to use Google Sketch-Up (which is a free 3D CAD/visualisation program) if you want to go that far. The main thing is to leave yourself enough knee room and make the top high enough to work at and big enough to get your monitor onto. Never seen any ready-drawn designs because, of course, all understairs spaces are different.

If you feel really pushed, post the size of the space and I'll do you a quick SU layout

Scrit

 

[Johnysmall]

Basically as all carcasses are simply boxes, you just need to figure out where you need to place all your bits and bats, how to get the cables in and then just sketch it up to scale on graph paper. You could spend a bit of time learning how to use Google Sketch-Up (which is a free 3D CAD/visualisation program) if you want to go that far. The main thing is to leave yourself enough knee room and make the top high enough to work at and big enough to get your monitor onto. Never seen any ready-drawn designs because, of course, all understairs spaces are different.

If you feel really pushed, post the size of the space and I'll do you a quick SU layout

Scrit

That's really good of you, but I won't ask until I have sawn my staircase in half.
I do really need advising though, which type of wood to use and the thickness required to sufficiently support the (big 1980's style) monitor etc I have.

 

[^woody^]

Try and have a look at some of the brochures (Sunday magazines or online etc) from specialist wardrobe manufacturers or suchlike. They normally have some pictures of computer stations built into cupboards, under stairs or other tight places.

I built one in a wardrobe a few years ago. I took a standard sized unit, had a shelf mid way up for the monitor, two sliding shelves below on draw runners - one for writing and one for keyboard and mouse, computer tower and filing drawers below, and printer and two more shelves above. And when the doors were shut it was all hidden.

Have a look at a typical computer station and visualise it under the stairs. It may be better to buy a station or a unit/cupboard/wardrobe and adapt it, rather than build from scratch

 

[big-all]

ok my suggestions here

i have made several desk for computers or including computer areas

a good place to start is at the kitchen table and try for height if thats comfortable youll need around 5" between legs and under the table top[your desk wont have a rail under the top]
you will probably have a swivel chair with arms so go and buy this before planning as the arms can cause problems if you dont allow for them [storeing the chair under the desk when not in use for example]

if you choose to place the computer box underneath i always try to put it in the knee well to one side on a open sided shelf to bring it as near the top as possible to save having to bend down and use the space underneath for packs of paper ect at the back and to accomodate the wheels of your chair at the front as the wheels are wider than seat somtimes

this setup allows you to gain accsess to the rear of the computer because the shelve has an open side you just need to go into the knee well and slide it foward a little bit

plan to fix a 6 socket extension at the top back of the knee well this help keep the mains cables off the floor

try and plan using the actual components sit at the table decide how much room you need and where
could you gain desk space by locating the printer or other equipment on a shelve rather on the desk [keeping in mind the length of the connections]
you need to plan the route of the cables drilling accsess holes as required to try and keep the cables neat and tidy make the holes out of site where possible and where visible either use a propriety cover or my favorate

dependant on the number of cables cut a 3by2" oblong at the back above the tower drill holes on each corner as required [ the holes are set back on the desk just touching the oblong for the cutout more wires bigger holes you can use these holes to start cut out ] place a lip underneath [stopping 12mm from the corners]for the for the infill to sit on

elongate the holes till they are a "D" shape with the back of the "D"touching the cover

theres lots more hints but had enough typing at the min

 

[Johnysmall]

Cheers all, that is good advice. Sitting all the componants out on table to see how much space I need is a very good idea.
I will start on this in the next few days and depending how much free time I have after work commitments and kids jumping all over me whilst trying to build it, hopefully it won't take that long to complete.

I tried the Google sketch up and think I need a bit more self tuition on it but it looks like a great tool to have, I may need you to do one for me though Scrit if I cant master it.

That said, any further advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[Thermo]

easiest method for the shelving is to use something like spur shelving system, with the wall plates and runners. You can put the wall plates up, slot in the desk monitor etc and then you know how much room youve got above. Put the brackets on, then simply cut your shelving to fit the width across. Just done that in my office which has a skieling under the cheek of the dormer, worked a treat and did the lot in about an hour.